K Blade TOUR vs. Pure Storm Ltd. GT???

[Connors]

Since so many seem to think the Pure Storm Ltd. Gt lacks some power, especially in the upper hoop, I'm thinking of a couple of options:

1) Going with the K Blade Tour--which has almost as thin a beam (20 mm. vs 19) which I love, the same control level (18 X 20 string pattern) and about the same overall static weight (about or around 11.8 oz.). It appears the K Blade Tour has a slightly higher swing weight but not by a whole lot. Also, it rates solidly higher in the power category on TW's Power Map. Both rackets are around 8-9 points HL as well.

2) Putting some lead at 10 and 2 on the Pure Storm Ltd. I don't want to add too much weight to this stick, just enough to up the power a little bit. And, I guess I'd have to put a little into the handle as well to keep the balance right.

Without putting too much lead on, could someone give me suggestions as to how much lead to put on the Pure Storm Ltd? to still keep the swingweight under 327 or so? Also, is 10 and 2 the best place to put it? Finally, which options of the two above makes most sense?? I really do love the feel of the PS Gt Ltd. but realize it might be a tad underpowered for me against heavy hitters and given that I'm in my mid-40's now.

 

[Connors]

I thought I might get some help here. These are two pretty popular rackets. Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[MarrratSafin]

I thought these 2 frames felt different, although head size, beam width and string pattern are identical. The Babolat Storm is a crisp feeling frame, while the Blade Tour is more dampened. You should demo the Blade before deciding to make a switch. Lead at 10 and 2 is a good idea, try 4 grams first and put the same amount as close to the buttcap as you can to minimize the swing weight increase and keep it as HL as possible. It might still bring the SW over 327 though, but definitely worth a try!

 

[JGads]

I think if you already have the Limited you should stick with it and experiment with string tension and lead setups. I really love both frames. Blade has more pop and a larger sweet zone in stock form, which is especially nice on serve. That pop sometimes makes the ball sail on groundies, though, a little more often than the Limited, which is just so consistent on the ground and especially at net, where it's a dream. I'd take the Limited string tension down to 40 pounds, though, and you'll find some added pop and funky action on the ball, though. Would be interesting to hear from any Blade users who've experimented with similarly low tensions and such to see how it responds.

 

[star 5 15]

these are both very different racquets. The feel is completely different. They both have a low RA but the psl is very crisp and i thought the kblade felt mushy. Demo them both. They're very different. If you like old school go with the PSL.

 

[KenC]

I only hit with a KBT for a few minutes and its not a bad racquet at all, but I do hit with the PSLGT regularly. I just couldn't groove with the KBT as it seemed to underpowered on touch shots and too overpowered when I went after the ball. I find more balance with the PSLGT.

If the PSLGT lacks the oomph that you seek, you might want to also widen your choices to also include the Volkl PB10mid, the BLX90 and try to find someone who has an old ProStaff 85. These are all in the class of the "old school" type racquets. They have more power than the PSLGT, to varying degrees.

Of all the above racquets I find the PSLGT to be the most demanding of good technique and athleticism. You really have to use your body to produce great shots with the PSLGT. I learned how to play tennis with wooden racquets where you had to put your whole body into a shot to create pace.

I don't use lead on mine and have no problems returning missiles with it, or creating missiles with it. Keeping the PSLGT on the lighter side helps in generating racquet head speed and generating a lot of topspin.

 

[Pioneer]

Why don't you try just getting the weight and swingweight as high as you can manage with lead tape. The racquet will be demanding but it would be really solid and you won't lack power. I have my pro stock K Blade up to 348g with a 350 SW but I wanna go up to maybe 355g and 370 SW